Mark Jackson, ESPN analyst and former NBA coach: “My expectations for him is certainly not to be the 93rd-best player in the world. How healthy he will be will give them an opportunity to win games that maybe their talent level collectively should not have them winning.”

Reggie Miller, TNT analyst and former NBA player: “Don’t be surprised if Kobe wins the comeback player of the year. (Lakers coach) Bryon Scott is going to have to play a masterfully hand of poker with Kobe.”

Anonymous NBA assistant coach: Kobe will be solid. But it’s all about if the Lakers can manage Kobe and not put too much on his shoulders. If they are in a heat of a battle and they’re struggling, then you can see Kobe having anywhere between 25 to 30 attempts a game. But if everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing and buying in, I think he’ll stay contained.

Anonymous NBA executive: “That team without Kobe, I don’t think you can they can beat anyone on any given night. With Kobe, they can at least win some games.”

Can the Lakers make the playoffs?

Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN analyst and former NBA coach: “The Lakers in the Western Conference are just not as good as the other teams. It’s going to be a struggle to win 30 to 35 games.”

Brent Barry, TNT/NBA TV analyst and former NBA player: “This team is absolutely in flux. Who knows what they are capable of doing because there are so many dynamics going on from top to bottom; from the front office, to the team, to one of the most beloved Lakers to ever put on the uniform in Kobe Bryant. It’s a real soap opera.”

Anonymous NBA assistant coach: “I could see them grabbing an eighth or seventh seed in the West if they stay healthy. Other Western Conference teams that are ahead of them could suffer injuries to key players and allow them some wiggle room. If they stay healthy, they’ll be light years from where they were last season. I see them getting anywhere between 43 to 47 wins.”

Anonymous NBA executive: “The eighth spot in the West is open. I don’t think they have any chance of beating the elite. But they have enough talent and veterans to beat some of the bottom-feeding teams to get to 35 to 40 wins. So if they’re really willing to scratch and claw so they can get their (tails) kicked by Golden State, the Clippers or San Antonio in the first round, God bless them.”

What do you think of the Lakers’ young core?

Miller: “All of these guys idolize Kobe. They grew up watching him and they want to put him in the best light, but Kobe has to allow them to put him in the best light. They can’t run everything through Kobe, not at this point in his career. He has to allow these young guys to grow, falter and fall down. I don’t mind tough love, but he can’t break them.

Jackson: “Jordan Clarkson’s shown he’s a starting player in this league, … (D’Angelo) Russell can make an impact right away and has a great feel for the game, … Julius Randle has improved in his ability to shoot the basketball. He’s a guy that is very comfortable being a playmaker, whether it’s rebounding, pushing it in transition or playing in the half-court set. … Those are three guys that can play a vital part to their success, not just this year but more importantly moving forward.”

Anonymous NBA assistant coach: “Russell has a the tools, is a hard worker and has a great personality. But he’s going to go against one of the NBA’s best point guards every night. … Randle has a lot of interesting tools with his playmaking and physical play, but I reserve judgment on him. When he uses his right hand, he pulls shots out of nowhere. … Clarkson has to prove he can everything besides just score the ball. Can he hold his weight defensively? Can he get shots up for other people?”

Mark Medina has been the Lakers beat writer for the Los Angeles Daily News since 2012. He also works as a Lakers insider for AM570 and is heard on national radio outlets, including The Dan Patrick Show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Chris Mannix Show, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Yahoo! Sports Radio and SB Nation Radio. Medina also appears frequently on Spectrum SportsNet and NBC4's "Going Roggin."

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